Tentative 2016 Budget Plan for Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth submitted her tentative budget for 2016 to the Town Board and the Town Clerk on Tuesday.

See the budget highlights here:

• A proposed tax levy increase of .73 percent, which is within the state’s tax cap.
• Most taxpayers would qualify for a tax rebate on their NYS taxes.
• Budget includes a proposed $67.3 million General Fund, a $35.3 million Town Outside Village Fund, and $24 million for the 20 Town–operated special districts.
• For residents living in incorporated villages, the General Fund Budget would represent a $3.25 a year increase for the average household.
• For residents living in the unincorporated areas of the Town, who also pay the TOV tax, their increase would represent an additional $8.30 a year for the average household.

The Town of North Hempstead reportedly received an Aa1 rating from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., an independent Wall Street bond rating agency, which reaffirmed the Town’s strong fiscal outlook for 2016.

“These positive ratings translate into lower interest rates and savings for taxpayers,” Bosworth said of the Moody’s rating.

More budget details:

• The Town’s Parks and Recreation Department would continue to provide concerts, multicultural events and recreational opportunities.
• Under the Highway Department, snow removal would see a slight increase to address recent trends in weather.
• Services provided to senior citizens through the Department of Services for the Aging and its Project Independence Program would continue to provide services and programs for the Town’s seniors, including transportation services for grocery shopping and doctor appointments.

“This budget is a result of a lot of hard work by our Comptroller’s Office, Finance Director and our commissioners who crafted a budget and stayed under the very challenging tax cap,” Bosworth said in a statement. “I have asked each Town Commissioner to reduce expenses, to institute tight controls on costs and new hires. I am committed to continuing to provide Town residents with the services they deserve.”

Budget hearings will be held on Oct. 13, Oct. 20 and Oct. 29; all meetings at 7:30 p.m.

A vote on the budget by the Town Board will also take place at the Oct. 29 meeting, prior to Election Day.